Pesticide applicator training and exam scheduled for Dec. 10, 2015 in Rogers City
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EmailPesticide applicator training and certification programs improve pesticide use practices in Michigan by ensuring certified applicators receive up-to-date information on pesticide regulation, handling and application.
In Michigan, those who wish to purchase or apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) must pass an exam to become a certified pesticide applicator. Once achieved, individual certifications are valid for a period of three years, at which point the applicator can retake the appropriate exams to maintain their status. Certified applicators can also elect to avoid reexamination and instead renew their certification by accumulating educational recertification credits during the three-year certification period. Private applicators must secure 16 private core credits, while commercial applicators need eight commercial core credits and eight additional credits for each category they are certified in, such as field crops, turf, etc.
On Dec. 10, 2015, Michigan State University Extension and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) will partner to offer a pesticide applicator training and exam session at the Presque Isle District Library, 181 E. Erie St., Rogers City, MI 49779. The program will begin with a review of the National Core Applicators Manual led by MSU Extension from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. This seminar will be an excellent opportunity to prepare for the MDARD Pesticide Applicator Exam session offered that afternoon. Participants may also claim four MDARD Pesticide Recertification Credits in the Private Core or Commercial Core categories.
The charge for attending this training is $20 per person and pre-registration is required (mail in form or call 989-734-2168). Applicator manuals will not be provided, but the National Core Manual can be downloaded for free from National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and other manuals are available through MSU’s Pesticide Safety and Education Program. Contact me at 989-734-2168 more information and to register. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by Dec. 1 to ensure sufficient time to make arrangements. Requests made after this date will be met when possible.
The Dec. 10 program will resume at 1 p.m. with a MDARD Pesticide Applicator Exam session running until exams are complete. Participants may take either the Private Applicator or Commercial Applicator Exams. The charge for this exam session is $50 for private applicators and $75 for commercial applicators. Pre-registration is again required, but must be completed independent of registration for the morning training. Visit MDARD Online Pesticide Exam Scheduling or call 1-800-292-3939 to register for the exam session. Bring a check or money order to the exam payable to “State of Michigan.” For additional information or assistance, contact me at 989-734-2168 or dedecke5@msu.edu.
